At home with …Eleanor Strauss & Honor

Fashion Director, Shopbop
& daughter, Honor | Brooklyn, NY

This Mother’s Day, The Glow is collaborating with Joie in celebration of their darling mother-daughter tunics. To highlight the adorable matching sets, we’re featuring Shopbop‘s fashion director, Eleanor Strauss, and her mini me Honor.

The second you walk into the Brooklyn home of stylist Elle Strauss , you instantly get a sense for the British-born beauty’s sunny disposition. There are pops of bright color, cheery floral wallpaper, and sweet love notes scattered throughout. Since moving to New York eight years ago from London, Strauss has quickly established herself as an in-demand and well-respected stylist. Her current role as style director of Shopbop and mom to almost five-year-old Honor keeps her busier than ever. During rare moments of downtime, Strauss and her photographer husband James Dimmock escape with their daughter to the family’s home in Upstate, New York for much-needed quiet time together. While intensity of city life, and balancing work, motherhood, and marriage can feel overwhelming, Strauss admits that “there’s this invisible pressure mums place on themselves to be so perfect. As Honor’s getting older I’m learning to say to myself ‘so we’ll be late! And that’s OK!'”

At home with... Eleanor Strauss & Honor

“It sounds a bit cheesy but I never knew I could love someone as much. It’s crazy! I remember the first time I left the house without her, I called my BFF and told her I didn’t know what to do with myself. I couldn’t even get my nails done, it was like there was an invisible piece of elastic keeping me from walking too far. My friend was like ‘just go home!'”

“In terms of finding balance, I’m not really sure I have the answer but I think escaping your normal routine is a good step. We are lucky enough to own a place upstate and it’s such a fantastic break where we get to be more of a traditional family. We have family meals and go on lovely walks.”

“I feel like I’m constantly running everywhere. Running her to school, running to get myself and her ready, running to collect her from school, running to parent/teacher day. There’s this invisible pressure mums place on themselves to be so perfect. As she’s getting older I’m learning to say to myself ‘So we’ll be late! And that’s OK!'”

“This straw bag and pillow are both from my good friend Amber’s site. She has such a fantastic selection of irresistible home goods, from pillows to rugs. Her site, Amber Interiors is also ultra covetable.”

“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to stick to the same career since leaving university. Styling and working in fashion was the only thing I ever wanted to do. It certainly wasn’t an easy choice but through hard work and determination I think I’ve made it work.”

Favorites for Honor...

Books: “The Jolly Postmanby Janet and Allan Ahlberg—I had it when I was growing up and it was a firm favourite. The Jolly Postman delivers letters to the three bears and other well known story time characters. The best bit is that they’re actual letters! Honor is obsessed!”

Grooming: “Tangle Teezer hair brush—this wonderful British import is fantastic for getting out knots without Honor even noticing. It’s a total game changer!”

Clothes: “Monoprix supermarket—I’m lucky enough to travel to Paris twice a year for the shows and when I do my first stop is to the Monoprix where the children’s clothes are not only adorable but also reasonably priced. Sweet William in Williamsburg is also amazing.”

Shoes: “Salt Water Sandals—a summer staple as not only are they super stylish and well made but they’re completely water proof which is perfect for the sprinklers in the park.”

Toys: “Maileg bunnies—it’s debatable who likes these bunnies more! Honor loves to take off their clothes and they’re lovely to dress up her bedroom.”

Entertainment: “Peppa Pig on the iPad—wonderful for it’s calming powers no matter what age.”

Beauty Favorites...

“The best shortcut is dry shampoo!!! My favorite is from Tesco’s in the UK—not at all glamorous (my mum always brings me a can when she visits), but otherwise Psssst! does the job. What mum has time to wash their hair?! Top tip: It’s best to leave it in for two minutes before brushing in order for it to really suck up the oil. I also love the Harry Josh straightening iron—it’s a total cheat when you can’t be bothered to style the back of your head!”

Beauty Favorites...

“Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a god send—instant health in a tube and so easy to apply. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler definitely helps me look a little more bright eyed. Benefit High Brow: this wonderful little pencil helps create the illusion that you’ve had a good night’s sleep! I like to add it under my brows and a small dot on the inner corners of my eyes (make sure to rub it in).”

“Since becoming a mom, I definitely wear more flats and cross body bags, but not much else has changed about my style. In terms of home decor, it was the perfect excuse to indulge my not so inner princess.”

“My biggest challenge and one I’m still working on (!) is the balance between work and family life. Sometimes it can feel like you’re coming home to your second job. It’s a challenge that you constantly need to work on, plus trying to figure out some ‘me’ time in-between. My biggest triumph is holding down a career and raising a little person. I’m proud that my daughter can say she’s raised by a working mum.”

“We try to steer the conversation away from beauty and around to being intelligent—the most beautiful thing she can be is clever. But just like any other little girl we’re in the princess phase and you can’t help but say how pretty she looks even in pink polyester!”